If your bank account has been inactive for a long time, you might notice it’s marked as inoperative. This happens when there are no transactions for two consecutive years — meaning no deposits, withdrawals, or fund transfers. Don’t worry, though! You can easily activate inoperative account online with a few simple steps.
Why Accounts Become Inoperative
Banks classify accounts as inoperative under RBI guidelines to prevent misuse. However, your money remains completely safe — it’s just that transactions are temporarily restricted until you reactivate it.
Documents Required
To reactivate your inoperative bank account, you’ll need:
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport)
- Address proof (Utility bill, voter ID, or driving licence)
- Recent passport-sized photo (some banks may ask for it)
- Written request or reactivation form from your bank
- Updated KYC documents, if required
Steps to Activate Your Account Online
- Visit your bank’s official website or mobile app.
- Go to the ‘Account Reactivation’ or ‘KYC Update’ section.
- Fill in your details and upload scanned copies of the required documents.
- Submit the request and wait for verification.
- Once approved, make a small transaction (deposit or withdrawal) to activate the account.
Most banks complete the process within 2–5 working days.
If your bank doesn’t support online reactivation, you can visit your home branch for assistance.
To prevent your account from becoming inoperative again, make at least one transaction every year.
Have questions about a specific bank’s process? Drop your query below — community members and experts can help you out!
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